Tuesday, March 03, 2015, 2:29 p.m.

Helpful Hints

DEAR HELOISE: Before I put a screw anchor in the wall, I add a little glue to it. Then I put the anchor in the drywall and the screw in. The glue helps the whole thing be a little more secure.

-- D.B., Stamps

DEAR READERS: Here is this week's Sound Off, about cluttered television screens:

"My Sound Off is cluttered-up TV screens. Why do stations run messages across the bottom of the screen, such as forthcoming shows, viewer comments, etc.? If it is not a national disaster, I don't want to know about it. Also, the station logo runs continuously in the corner, as though I don't know what channel I'm watching. I have missed things that were important to the program I was watching (such as quiz-show answers). Does this annoy others as well?"

-- Gloria R., Highland, Ind.

Yes, it does! I understand the need for some of it, but unfortunately, it's the way things are now. My hint? I "record" the show and watch it a few minutes "behind" the live broadcast so I can dismiss that stuff and go back if I missed something.

DEAR HELOISE: I enjoy watching the robins take their bath every day, but they really muddy up the water. I find that the best thing to use to scrub out the birdbath every day is an old toilet brush. Then the water is clean, and I can watch the birds have their drink.

-- Irene in Glendive, Mont.

DEAR READER: This is a great hint to keep the birdbath clean, which is important. Please be sure that the brush is absolutely clean of any cleaning products. To give the birdbath a little deeper clean, try sprinkling some baking soda in it, and add a little water. Scrub with the brush and rinse very well. Do this once or twice a week, and you will have a sparkling birdbath. Baking soda is a wonderful, nontoxic product that can be used in many ways. When doing any work outdoors, sprinkle a little baking soda on your feet before putting your socks and shoes on to keep them fresh.